BY RHEA MANILA SANTOS

With the sudden decision to disqualify Honor Thy Father for the Best Picture category, many in the industry are wondering why the announcement came just one day before the actual Metro Manila Film Fest Awards Night. During the event, the cast and crew of Honor Thy Father (minus lead star John Lloyd Cruz and director Erik Matti who also won Best Director) showed up wearing the same black shirt from their movie.

Actress Meryll Soriano admitted it was a show of solidarity on their part after the announcement of their disqualification for the most prestigious award of the night. "It shows na we are a family, we are a team. Kaming lahat nagtrabaho kami for the film at nandito kami nirerespeto namin lahat ng kalahok so we're here as a family," she said.

The multi-awarded actress admitted she can't help but feel affected by the news. "Of course we're very saddened by the decision to disqualify us for Best Picture because you know lahat kami na kasali, lahat kamina kalahok sa MMFF lahat kami nagtrabaho ng mabuti to be part of this. So we are honored to be here but also we are very dismayed with the situation," she admitted.

But despite everything, Meryll thanked the people behind the annual local film festival. She revealed that Honor Thy Father will be making the rounds of various film festivals abroad next year. "Of course maganda naman talagang platform ang MMFF. We've been waiting for a festival to showcase what we've done which is a beautiful masterpiece by Erik Matti and so we are just very honored na nakapila na siya sa ibang festivals. Sana lang we're also just hoping na hindi na maulit ito. This is not about us. This is about the whole industry. This is the about lahat ng filmmakers na nag-sa-struggle every year to make films for the people of the Philippines," she added.

Despite all the controversy, Meryll hopes moviegoers will be interested enough to give Honor Thy Father a chance. The talented actress said their film has a lot to impart. "I want it to be remembered as relevant," she said.

Honor Thy Father was able to bring home awards for Best Director, Best Child Performer, Best Supporting Actor, Best Festival Original Theme Song, and Best Make-Up Artist at the recent MMFF Awards Night.